Can’t my dentist do oral hygiene checks?

They can - however, hygienists undertake particular training in this area. Their focus is on making sure plaque and tartar are removed from the teeth and below the gum line. At Rodericks Dental Partners we offer direct access hygiene appointments, which means you don’t need to see the dentist to get a hygienist clean.

What treatments can the hygienist offer?

They will carry out a professional deep clean to remove tartar and disease-causing plaque from around and under the gum line. Your dental hygienist is also qualified to advise you on the latest techniques and products for effective cleaning at home. This includes lifestyle advice like diet advice and smoking cessation.

Can I do anything to prevent oral hygiene problems occurring?

If you want to minimise your hygienist appointments, then a rigorous cleaning programme at home is vital. At your appointment, you’ll be given advice on how to clean your teeth, as well as diet and general lifestyle tips.

Does it hurt to get a scale and polish?

A hygienist clean shouldn’t usually hurt. If your gums are very sensitive, your hygienist can use anaesthetic gel to alleviate any discomfort.

How often should I see my hygienist?

We recommend twice a year if you have good oral health. However, if you’ve had tooth restorations or dental implants, you may be required to visit more frequently. Doing this can make sure plaque is kept under control around your prosthetic restorations. If you suffer from periodontitis, you might need to attend up to four times in a year, but this will depend on your individual dentition. Your dental hygienist will be able to advise you on how regularly you should visit.

Rodericks Dental Partners Treatments Dental Hygiene

Hygiene Treatment

Dental hygiene

Give your teeth and gums the best protection, with expert cleaning from a dental hygienist.

Reviewed by: Puja Klaire, Bchd Pg Cert Medical Education, Lead Clinical Advisor at Rodericks Dental Partners. Review date: 27th July 2026

What is dental hygiene?

Dental hygiene is the practice of keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy both at home and with the help of a professional hygienist. A six-monthly or annual hygiene check-up is vital to stop problems like plaque, cavities and gum disease becoming more costly and complex to fix. You’ll also get practical tips on caring for your teeth and gums at home, helping good habits stick, long after you leave the chair.[1]

Benefits of dental hygiene appointments

Seeing a dental hygienist regularly is one of the most effective ways to protect your oral health.

Stops plaque build-up

Your hygienist will clean areas where plaque hardens to form tartar, which brushing alone can’t clear.

Prevent gum disease

Gum disease is the No.1 cause of tooth loss – professional cleaning can address problems before they worsen.

Get treatment-ready

If you need implants, dentures or teeth straightening, a hygienist will make sure you’re dentally fit for treatment.

What types of dental hygiene appointment are there?

Routine

Professional oral care removes plaque and cleans along the gumline to prevent future problems. It suits patients who simply require routine hygiene appointments to support their cleaning regime at home.

Extra care

A more thorough check-up, usually lasting around 30 minutes. It’s ideal for new patients, allowing the dental hygienist to assess your oral health and recommend a treatment plan going forward.

Airflow

Gentle but highly effective cleaning for teeth and gums, available as a standalone treatment or as part of a hygiene appointment. It carefully removes surface stains from your teeth to leave them noticeably cleaner and brighter.

Dental hygiene treatment process

While hygiene treatment can vary depending on the care you need, a routine appointment usually consists of three main steps.

Initial exam

Before treatment begins, your dental hygienist will carry out an initial examination, checking your gums and teeth for any signs of gum disease or other concerns.[3]

Scale

Your hygienist will use specialist dental tools to remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth and around your gum line.[2]

Polish

Finally, your teeth will be polished to clear any remaining bacteria,[2] lift surface staining and leave you with that deep-clean feel you only get from the hygienist.

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How often should I see a dental hygienist?

Most people see their dental hygienist twice a year. You may need to go more often following restorative treatments like dental implants or to manage conditions like bad breath or gum disease. If you’re not sure how often to visit, your hygienist will advise on the right treatment plan for you.

What to do in between hygiene appointments

The tailored advice you receive is one of the great benefits of your hygiene appointment. Here are some common tips they might offer, for staying on top of your oral health.

Regularly cleaning between your teeth, with dental floss or interdental brushes, is a great way to prevent plaque building up in areas normal brushing can miss.

Brushing twice a day with a fluoride-based toothpaste can help to strengthen your enamel and keep your teeth healthier for longer.

Rinsing your mouth straight after brushing undoes much of your good work. Spitting out the excess toothpaste keeps more protective fluoride on your teeth for longer.

FAQs

You may brush your teeth regularly and visit your dentist. But there are problems that could develop with your teeth and gums that only a hygienist can tackle. And there are more benefits to going, such as personalised advice for improving your oral hygiene at home and additional services like Airflow that offer enhanced cleaning and stain removal.

A routine dental hygiene appointment typically lasts around 20 minutes. They can take longer if you have conditions like gum disease or bad breath that require more thorough treatment.

A good hygienist will listen to any concerns you might have before deciding which of their many techniques to use. Modern cleaning is usually painless but if you experience any discomfort, there’s often an alternative that will do the job – all you need to do is ask.

That depends on your oral health. If you have good oral health, twice a year is usually recommended. If you’ve had restorative work, like dental implants or have gum disease, you may need more frequent visits. Ask your hygienist if you’re ever unsure.

Not the right treatment? Discover more options.

AirFlow Teeth Cleaning

This professional cleaning treatment can help prevent gum disease and improve oral health.

Find out more

Gum Disease Treatment

Whether you require treatment for gum recession, gum disease pain relief or something similar, our tailored solutions for periodontics will improve your oral health.

Find out more

Dental Check Ups

Attending a routine dental check-up once every six months can keep your smile happy and healthy.

Find out more

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